Has anyone moved a steering box forward

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Jun 12, 2017 | 11:59 AM

pweng1

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 1,350

Likes: 24

From: Maryland

Has anyone moved a steering box forward

One of the problems /concerns i have trying to put my 51 Coe on a F250 4wd chassis is the steering is back a little far. I see the other makes of steering boxes mounted way forward and was wondering If i can do like the off road guys and move a steering box forward for less angle. Tell me what i would likely run into doing this. I know i can use the steering drive adapter from summit.

Jun 12, 2017 | 02:34 PM

BlueOvalRage

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 2,571

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From: Oxford, Indiana

It depends on the design and layout of the suspension system and steering linkage. On some designs, it can be moved within reason with little to no consequence. Cross steer systems, for instance. On others, it can introduce dangerous levels of bumpsteer. The stock design is a good example. The mounting point of the steering box, the length of the drag link, and the rear leaf spring mount location must all work together to keep the wheels pointed straight ahead as the suspension cycles. Changing one or two but not all three will cause the wheels to turn as the suspension cycles.

Jun 12, 2017 | 11:32 PM

tinman52

Welder User

Joined: Feb 2009

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From: northwest MT

Need pics of what you have and how you want it to be.

Jun 13, 2017 | 09:45 AM

Jules The Great

More Turbo

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 555

Likes: 5

From: Marysville, WA

What year F250 frame are you using? How much further forward do you want to run the box?
In most cases having a longer drag link will decrease bump steer. This also assume you can keep the steering box elevation about the same.

If your drag link runs front to back you should have no problem moving the steering box forward and it should not affect bump steer as long as your drag link is getting longer.

Jun 13, 2017 | 09:55 AM

pweng1

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 1,350

Likes: 24

From: Maryland

It's a 1991 4wd F250 I was hoping to move it forward about a foot . If a van pitman arm was needed or longer rods I can handle that.

Jun 13, 2017 | 10:03 AM

Jules The Great

More Turbo

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 555

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From: Marysville, WA

Does the pitman arm come forward or back off the steering box? Changing to a Van steering box and pitman arm may work.

Jun 13, 2017 | 11:31 AM

pweng1

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 1,350

Likes: 24

From: Maryland

It comes fwd I will try to get pics soon to show my thinking after seeing my sons newer one. There have been articles in off road that seemed do able.